Articulating sensor bracket

ABSTRACT

An articulating sensor bracket assembly including a first member having a body with a first end defining a ball arrangement and a second end defining an elongated section and a bracket pivotally connected to the elongated section of the first member at a pivot point. The bracket includes a locking member located adjacent to the pivot point. The locking member is configured for selectively preventing a movement of the bracket relative to the first member. The bracket further includes at least one mounting point. Each mounting point is configured for mounting a sensor.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/373,869,entitled “ARTICULATING SENSOR BRACKET”, filed Apr. 3, 2019, which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a bracket, and, more particularly, to abracket for positioning a sensor.

2. Description of the Related Art

Brackets used to mount devices such as sensors, cameras and lights forthe automation and manufacturing environments are known to be providedin permanently installed, non-adjustable positions where the mountingangle, installation position and installation distance are fixed. Insome situations, the bracket may be disassembled and then reconfiguredto have an alternate mounting angle, installation position orinstallation distance. In many occasions a device must be preciselyfixed, such as when using a proximity switch, a high speed imagingcamera or a laser measurement system. Brackets having high precisionmounting holes to properly place a sensor, camera or light are costly tomanufacture and may result in many singular brackets to meet the varioussetups required in typical automation and manufacturing environments.Furthermore, many of the known brackets do not allow for smalladjustments typically required due to variation from machining andmanufacturing processes used to create the bracket.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,415,520, assigned to the assignee of the presentinvention, is directed to a swivel link assembly for the mounting end ofarm tooling. The swivel link assembly includes a flexible ball baseconnected to the end of the robotic arm, and a knuckle joint defining atleast one adjustable axis. The flexible ball base is able to swivelrelative to the adjustable axis. An adapter has a proximal end and adistal end, with the proximal end connected to the flexible ball base,and an end-effector connected to the distal end. The swivel linkassembly disclosed in the '520 patent can also be used to carry andposition various types of sensors, cameras, lights, etc.

What is needed in the art is a device to simplify positioning ofsensors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention in one form is directed to an articulating sensor bracketassembly having a bracket and a first member in the form of a generallycylindrical member that is attached to the bracket. The cylindricalmember includes a first end and a second end and a longitudinallyextending through bore defining a longitudinal axis. The first enddefines a ball arrangement and the second end defines a mountingsurface. The mounting surface is disposed generally parallel to thelongitudinal axis. An L-shaped bracket includes a first leg and a secondleg. The first leg is disposed generally perpendicular to the secondleg. The first leg includes a mounting hole and an arcuate slotextending partially around the mounting hole. The second leg includes asensor mounting hole. A first fastener is disposed within the mountinghole and is coupled with the mounting surface. A second fastener isdisposed within the arcuate slot and is coupled with the mountingsurface.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, there is shown a method forpositioning a sensor. The method generally includes the steps ofproviding a sensor, an articulating mounting device and a baseconfigured to engage a ball arrangement and a mounting surface. Mountingthe sensor to the articulating mounting device. Guiding a sensor cablethrough the articulating mounting device and the base. Engaging the ballarrangement with the base. Mounting the base to a mounting surface andadjusting for positioning.

An advantage of the present invention is a greater degree of rotationabout two separate pivot points with protection from wire pinching.

Another advantage of the present invention is the ability to mountmultiple sizes of sensors on one of two sides of the L-shaped bracket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention,and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and theinvention will be better understood by reference to the followingdescription of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an articulating sensorbracket assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the articulating sensor bracketassembly of FIG. 1 arranged with the bracket at an obtuse angle relativeto the cylindrical member;

FIG. 3 shows another perspective view of the articulating sensor bracketassembly of FIG. 1 linearly positioned;

FIG. 4 shows another perspective of the articulating sensor bracketassembly of FIG. 1 arranged having an acute angle;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the articulatingsensor bracket assembly, with the cylindrical member mounted on theopposite side of the bracket; and

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method of the presentinvention for positioning a sensor.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplifications set out hereinillustrate embodiments of the invention and such exemplifications arenot to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in anymanner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, there isshown an articulating sensor bracket assembly 10 for a sensor 20 used inautomation and manufacturing environments. The articulating sensorbracket assembly 10 generally includes a first, cylindrical member 30, abracket 50, a pivoting point 64, and a pivoting locking member 66.

The cylindrical member 30 generally includes a body 31 with an outersurface 31A. The outer surface 31A is shown as having a cylindricalshape although it may include any shape, e.g. angular or conical. Theouter surface 31A may be a smooth or rough and may have a cross sectionconsistent or varying along its' length. The body 31 further includes alongitudinal axis 32 that aligns from a first end 34 to a second end 36of the body 31. The second end 36 of the body 31 forms an at leastpartial sphere 38 made up any portion of a sphere but is generallyshaped and sized to function as a ball joint with a knuckle joint. Atypical size of the at least partial sphere 38 is 0.73″-1.25″ ifconfigured for English units and 18.5 mm-28.5 mm if configured for SIunits. It is to be understood that the at least partial sphere 38 may beof any suitable size for use with a knuckle joint but is generallyconfigured to provide 160 degrees of rotation without pinching anycables, lines or any other type of link that passes through the joint.An internal through bore 40 runs from the first end 34 to the second end36 and has the longitudinal axis 32 as its' central point. The internalthrough bore 40 can be configured to allow cables, lines or any othertype of link to pass through thereby providing shielding from physicaldamage.

A knuckle joint, such as known by U.S. Pat. No. 9,415,520, may beprovided to interface with the at least partial sphere 38. The knucklejoint 28 forms a cylindrical sleeve which partially covers the at leastpartial sphere 38. The knuckle joint has holes or the like through whichfasteners may be inserted to tighten or loosen the connection betweenthe knuckle joint and any ball bases.

The body 31 includes at least one extension 42 or elongated sectionprojecting from the first end 34 of the body 31. The at least oneextension 42 terminates at a distal end and may form a portion of theinternal through bore 40. An extension outer surface 31A generallyaligns with the outer surface 31A of the body 31. The at least oneextension 42 may have a cross section similarly shaped to the crosssection of the body 31. The cross section of the at least one extension42 may be the full cross section of the body 31 or may only make up aportion. It is to be understood that the at least one extension 42 maybe formed integral with the body 31 or may be a component that isassembled to the body 31. The body 31 and the at least one extension 42may be made from any material suited to withstand tensile, compressiveand/or impact forces along and traverse to the longitudinal axis 32 andmay provide sufficient wear and chemical resistance. Typical materialsinclude but are not limited to plastics, e.g. acrylonitrile butadienestyrene (ABS), nylon, polyether ether ketone (PEEK) or polyethyleneterephthalate (PET). Typical materials may include metals, e.g. steel,aluminum, cast iron, powdered metal. Typical processes used tomanufacture the body 31 and the at least one extension 42 may includebut are not limited to: machining, casting, sintering, forging,injection molding or additive manufacturing. The body 31 and the atleast one extension 42 may be the virgin color of the material used ormay be altered either by dyeing, painting or anodizing.

The L-shaped bracket 50 includes a first leg 52 having a top surface, abottom surface, a first edge, a second edge, a third edge and a fourthedge. The first edge and the second edge are essentially parallel. Thethird edge and the forth edge are essentially parallel with the firstedge and the third edge being traverse to each other. The first leg 52forms a centerline 54 running essentially parallel to and disposedbetween the first edge and the second edge. The first leg 52 furtherincludes a mounting hole 56. An arcuate slot 58 is formed from the topsurface 52 to the bottom surface 54 and is arranged to be essentiallyconcentric with the mounting hole 56. At least one mounting point 60 maybe provided at an end opposite to the end having the mounting hole 56and arcuate slot 58 and generally extends from the top surface to thebottom surface. The at least one mounting point 60 may be of any shapeor size suitable for mounting devices, e.g. sensors. The at least onemounting point 60 is shown as a circular opening having a diametric sizeof 0.315″-1.18″ for English devices and 8 mm-30 mm for SI devices.

The L-shaped bracket 50 may also include a second leg 62 extends awayfrom a portion of the second edge of the first leg 52. As shown, thesecond leg 62 extends away from the second edge and aligns with the topsurface, the bottom surface and the third edge. The second leg 62 isarranged at an angle α to the bottom surface and is shown as beingapproximately 90°. However, it is to be understood that the angle α maybe of any angle in relation to the bottom surface. The second leg 62 maybe formed integral with the first leg 52 or may be an additionalcomponent added to the second member. The first leg 52 and the secondleg 62 may be made from any material suited to withstand tensile,compressive and/or impact forces along and traverse to the centerline 54and may provide sufficient wear and chemical resistance. Typicalmaterials include but are not limited to plastics, e.g. acrylonitrilebutadiene styrene (ABS), nylon, polyether ether ketone (PEEK) orpolyethylene terephthalate (PET). Typical materials may include metals,e.g. steel, aluminum, cast iron, powdered metal, sheet metal. Typicalprocesses used to manufacture the first leg 52 and the second leg 62 mayinclude but are not limited to: machining, casting, sintering, forging,injection molding, additive manufacturing, stamping, or laser cutting.The first leg 52 and the second leg 62 may be the virgin color of thematerial used or may be altered either by dyeing, painting or anodizing.

At least one mounting point 60 may be provided and generally extendsfrom the top surface to the bottom surface. The at least one mountingpoint 60 may be of any shape or size suitable for mounting devices, e.g.sensors. The at least one mounting point 60 is shown as a circularopening having a diametric size of 0.315″-1.18″ for English devices and8 mm-30 mm for SI devices.

The centerline 54 and the longitudinal axis 32 form a first angle ϕbetween when the first leg 52 is attached to a pivot point 64 near thedistal end of the at least one extension 42. The first angle ϕ as shownis at approximately 90°. The pivot point 64 is shown as a socket headcap screw passing through an opening (not shown) in the first leg 52 andthreading into a threaded hole (not shown) on the at least one extension42. It is to be understood that the pivot point 64 may be made of anyconfiguration suitable for allowing the first leg 52 to pivot about thebody 31 through the first angle ϕ, e.g. fastener, pin or bearing. Asshown, the arcuate slot 58 provides approximately 180° of angulardisplacement. In other words, the centerline 54 of the first leg 52 maypivot approximately 180° relative to the longitudinal axis 32 of thecylindrical member 30. It should be understood that the allowableangular displacement may larger or smaller than 180° and is controlledin part by the length of the arcuate slot 58.

The pivoting locking member 66 aligns with the arcuate slot 58 and isconfigured to prevent, hinder or allow pivoting between the cylindricalmember 30 and the first leg 52. As shown, the pivoting locking member 66is a button head cap screw that threads into a threaded hole (not shown)on the at least one extension 42. Pivoting is prevented by tighteningthe button head cap screw into the threaded hole whereby the bottomsurface of the first leg 52 is clamped with a clamp force to the atleast one extension 42. Partially loosening the button head cap screwreleases a portion of the clamp force and allows the first leg 52 topivot with restriction through the first angle ϕ relative to thelongitudinal axis 32 of the cylindrical member 30. Fully loosening thebutton head cap screw releases the clamp force and allows the first leg52 to pivot through the first angle ϕ relative to the longitudinal axis32 of the cylindrical member 30. It should be understood that thesurfaces of the at least one extension 42 and the bottom surface 54 ofthe first leg 52 may be rough or smooth to hinder or facilitatepivoting. It should also be understood that the surfaces of the at leastone extension 42 and the bottom surface of the first leg 52 may beprovided with a plurality of ridges (not shown) for predeterminedpivoting increments, for instance, 5° increments through the first angleϕ. Furthermore, there may be materials added between the surfaces of theat least one extension 42 and the bottom surface 54 of first leg 52 tohinder or facilitate pivoting. For instance, a washer made of rubber tohinder pivoting or made of polyoxymethylene to facilitate pivoting.While the pivoting locking member 66 has been described with a buttonhead cap screw, it should be understood that other methods ofpreventing, hindering or allowing pivoting may be used, such as a wavewasher installed under the button head cap screw, a clamping lever,clamping screw, c-clamp, or a magnet. It should also be understood thatpreceding features may be available for configurations where the topsurface is assembled to the at least one extension 42. It should befurther noted that the pivot point 64 may work with the pivoting lockingmember 66 wherein the pivoting locking member 66 and the pivot point 64require unclamping prior to pivoting of the first leg 52 relative to thecylindrical member 30. The pivot point 64 may also be provided with afriction device to prevent, hinder or allow pivoting between the firstleg 52 relative to the cylindrical member 30.

The anchoring device 68 may take the form of a cable tie, e.g. wiretire, hose tie or zip tie, that may be configured to attach to the pivotpoint 64 at one end and at an opposite end, bind cables, lines or anyother type of link that has been passed through the internal throughbore 40 to the sensor 20. Additionally, the anchoring device 68 maycooperate with the pivoting locking member 66 to act as a hard stop whenpivoting the first leg 52 relative to the cylindrical member 30. Theanchoring device 68 may also be used as a reference point againstreference marks on the first leg 52 to allow repeatable placement of thesensor 20 after any movement of the articulating sensor bracket assembly10.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, there is shown the embodiment from FIG. 1with the first angle ϕ at an obtuse angle, with the centerline 54 andthe longitudinal axis 32 aligning and the first angle ϕ at an acuteangle, respectively.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown an embodiment wherein the firstleg 52 is pivotably attached to the at least one extension 42 having thetop surface of the first leg 52 is facing the at least one extension.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a method 600 for positioning asensor. The method generally includes the steps of providing a sensorhaving a mounting region and a cable (step 610). Providing a mountingdevice having a cylindrical member, an extension, a bracket, a pivotingpoint and a pivoting locking member. The cylindrical member having abody with an outer surface that forms a longitudinal axis from a firstend to a second end. The second end forms at least a partial sphereconfigured for a first knuckle joint. The body forms an internal throughbore aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. Theextension extends from the first end of the cylindrical member. Thebracket includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a first edgeessentially parallel to a second edge and a third edge essentiallyparallel to a fourth side, the first edge and third edge traverse toeach other. A centerline is formed between the first edge and the secondedge. The bracket pivotably attaches to a pivot point near the fourthend of the extension. The centerline and the longitudinal axis forming afirst angle therebetween. The bracket forms at least one bracketmounting point. The pivoting locking member is arranged near the pivotpoint (step 620). Providing a base configured to engage the at leastpartial sphere and a mounting surface. The base includes a channel toguide the cable (step 630). Mounting the sensor to the bracket or thearm (step 640). Guiding the cable through the internal through bore.Guiding the cable through the base channel (step 650). Engaging the atleast partial sphere with the base (step 660). Mounting the base to amounting surface (step 670). Adjusting the pivot and the pivotinglocking member for positioning (step 680).

While this invention has been described with respect to at least oneembodiment, the present invention can be further modified within thespirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is thereforeintended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the inventionusing its general principles. Further, this application is intended tocover such departures from the present disclosure as come within knownor customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains andwhich fall within the limits of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An articulating sensor bracket assembly,comprising: a first member including a body with a first end defining aball arrangement and a second end defining an elongated section; and abracket pivotally connected to the elongated section of the first memberat a pivot point, the bracket including: a locking member locatedadjacent to the pivot point, the locking member being configured forselectively preventing a movement of the bracket relative to the firstmember; and at least one mounting point, each mounting point beingconfigured for mounting a sensor.
 2. The articulating sensor bracketassembly of claim 1, wherein the bracket further includes a first legand a second leg disposed at an angle relative to the first leg.
 3. Thearticulating sensor bracket assembly of claim 2, wherein the at leastone mounting point includes a first mounting point located on the firstleg and a second mounting point located on the second leg.
 4. Thearticulating sensor bracket assembly of claim 2, wherein the first legincludes a mounting hole and an arcuate slot extending partially aroundthe mounting hole.
 5. The articulating sensor bracket assembly of claim4, wherein the bracket further includes a first fastener disposed withinthe mounting hole, the first fastener pivotally connecting the bracketto the elongated section of the first member, the first fastenerdefining the pivot point.
 6. The articulating sensor bracket assembly ofclaim 4, wherein locking member is disposed within the arcuate slot. 7.The articulating sensor bracket assembly of claim 6, wherein the lockingmember is in the form of a button head cap screw.
 8. The articulatingsensor bracket assembly of claim 1, further including an anchoringdevice connected to the pivot point, the anchoring device beingconfigured for anchoring at least one cable of the sensor.
 9. Thearticulating sensor bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the body of thefirst member includes a through bore extending through the ballarrangement and the elongated section.
 10. The articulating sensorbracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one mounting point isin the form of at least one hole.
 11. The articulating sensor bracketassembly of claim 1, wherein the bracket is in the form of an L-shapedbracket.
 12. A method for positioning a sensor, comprising: providing asensor having a mounting region and a cable; providing an articulatingsensor bracket assembly, the articulating sensor bracket assemblyincluding a first member including a body with a first end defining aball arrangement and a second end defining an elongated section and abracket pivotally connected to the elongated section of the first memberat a pivot point, the bracket including a locking member locatedadjacent to the pivot point, the locking member being configured forselectively preventing a movement of the bracket relative to the firstmember, and a mounting point; providing a base configured to engage theball arrangement, the base including a channel to guide the cable;mounting the sensor to the mounting point of the bracket; guiding thecable through the channel of the base; engaging the ball arrangementwith the base; mounting the base to a mounting surface; and pivoting thebracket relative to the first member for positing the sensor.
 13. Themethod of claim 12, wherein the bracket further includes a first leg anda second leg disposed at an angle relative to the first leg.
 14. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the at least one mounting point includes afirst mounting point located on the first leg and a second mountingpoint located on the second leg.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein thefirst leg includes a mounting hole and an arcuate slot extendingpartially around the mounting hole.
 16. The method of claim 15, whereinthe bracket further includes a first fastener disposed within themounting hole, the first fastener pivotally connecting the bracket tothe elongated section of the first member, the first fastener definingthe pivot point.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the locking memberis disposed within the arcuate slot.
 18. The method of claim 17, whereinlocking member is in the form of a button head cap screw.
 19. The methodof claim 12, further including an anchoring device connected to thepivot point, the anchoring device being configured for anchoring atleast one cable of the sensor.
 20. The method of claim 12, wherein thebody of the first member includes a through bore extending through theball arrangement and the elongated section, wherein the method furtherincludes a step of guiding the cable through the through bore of thebody of the first member.